Recently diagnosed with uterine prolapse aged 72.

Submitted by Lottielou43 on March 12, 2016 - 6:52pm
Body: 

Hi, I am not even sure whether I should be on here. Am I being too optimistic thinking there is a non surgical solution to my prolapse? It all started with summer of 2014 with pain in the groin. This progressed out to my right pelvis and down the inside of my right thigh to just below my knee. Here in France there is an excellent health care system and within a week I was diagnosed with a herniated disc S2/S3. I spent the first three months of 2015 in agony and was hospitalised on three occasions for various treatments. The effect of being bed bound and on powerful painkillers meant I suffered with terrible constipation. I think this was the cause of my prolapse. I tried doing pelvic floor exercises but it did not help very much. By February 2016. I was feeling very uncomfortable as the uterus was clearly visible. My gynaecologist has advised me that I need a hysterectomy. I was not happy with this so the gynaecologist has fitted a pessarie. This is to support the prolapsed uterus while I make a decision about if or when I might have the hysterectomy.
That's when I found this web site. It really raised my hopes that there could be an alternative non surgical solution.
I am sorry this is a bit of a marathon topic but could someone out there tell me if I am too old for "The posture" method to work? Also if any of you young ladies have had any experience with wearing a pessarie I have a few questions you may be able to answer. Thank you for reading this.

Forum:

Surviving60

March 13, 2016 - 6:59am

Hi Lottielou and welcome. It is never too late to start. Many of us did not start until after menopause (that includes me). The young ones have a certain advantage in being able to restore more lumbar curvature at their stage of life (especially if still healing post-partum). But this work is a godsend for every woman. Hysterectomy for a prolapsed uterus is completely uncalled for, and can set you up for other organs to prolapse, as well as a host of other potential issues. Pelvic floor exercises (kegels) are worthless and can actually aggravate things. You will want to take it slowly and gently, given your back situation. Try getting down on hands and knees and letting the organs fall into the lower belly. This should feel very good and give you an idea of the dynamics of WW posture and how it all works. Be careful about pessaries. They are hard to fit, and most types hold the vagina somewhat open, which can be another contributing factor for prolapse of the other organs. - Surviving

Lottielou43

March 14, 2016 - 6:21pm

Thank you Surviving, I will certainly try your suggestion. I don't know if I can kneel as I have very painful, bloated knees following years of taking Levothyroxine for an underactive Thyroid. Nevertheless I am continuing to read and learn about " The Posture ". I tried it today even when I went for my daily walk. It felt strange at first but after a couple of ks it felt easier. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Lottielou.

everhopeful

March 15, 2016 - 2:00pm

u have found the right place and it is never too late to learn something new! Wholewoman life style might be your best bit of education for ages,lol. There is so much info here for the posture,healthy eating, safe and supportive exercises .I am 66 and have been supported by this wonderful site for about 2years now. I ,like many here,tried kegels and knew they were not the answer. The whole woman posture and Christine's Book together with the First Aid for Prolapse has given me my life back. I will never do kegels again and I will not have op for pop! I am very active and have gone from being very scared to wanting to share and help others to overcome or in my daughter's case,prevent POP . As my lovely friend says 'age is just a number' ,I hope u enjoy every day and find that pop is just a nuisance which need not limit life once u have the posture. Good luck :))

Surviving60

March 15, 2016 - 4:20pm

Hi again Lottielou - most of us with prolapse, especially a significant uterine prolapse if that is what you have....will need some additional tools besides the posture itself in order to see real improvement and achieve ongoing management of this. Learning to bend over and "jiggle" the organs into the belly, followed by firebreathing, and regular practice of prolapse-safe exercises (Christine gives us plenty of these) in addition to good diet and toileting habits - it's all important! All part of this work. - Surviving